Zika virus: don't lose sight of dengue in Zika 'hysteria'

A Queensland virologist has warned against losing sight ofother mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue in the "hysteria" around the Zika virus.

Zika has been linked to birth defects in children as its outbreak in Brazil mirrors that of the rare neurological condition microcephaly, which can lead to children being born with small heads and underdeveloped brains.

A woman and child were diagnosed with Zika in Queensland at the weekend - but dengue is more prevalent and serious, an expert says. Photo: Wilfredo Riera

"The level of hysteria is ridiculous. It's bigger than it was for Ebola," he said.

"It's blown far beyond what Ebola did and it's been driven by the media, those media reports that don't include all the facts and are much more measured and reasonable.

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"But those that don't … really do nothing but scare people and that doesn't help anybody."

Associate Professor Mackay pointed out microcephaly itself was rare, with 3 million live births in Brazil during the period where about 4000 cases of the neurological condition being diagnosed, sparking the concern.

A woman and child were diagnosed with Zika in Queensland at the weekend after returning from overseas and 10 Queenslanders were diagnosed in similar conditions in 2014 and 2015.

The virus's symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis.

Dengue cases are usually more serious, with symptoms including severe headache and eye pain, mild bleeding, potentially extending to severe stomach pain and vomiting.

It has also been many times more prevalent in Queensland, with 26 cases since January 1 and an average of almost 320 annually over the past five years.

The level of hysteria is ridiculous. It's bigger than it was for Ebola.

UQ virology expert Ian Mackay

"But Zika virus itself in the majority of cases doesn't even cause symptoms of illness and in the 20 per cent of cases that it does, it's a fever and a rash and joint pain," Associate Professor Mackay said.

"It's generally thought to be more of a mild virus.

"I don't think there's been enough attention on dengue full stop.

"It deserves more attention. It deserves more effort… globally."

A Queensland Health spokesman said people should take the threat of any mosquito-borne disease seriously, especially when travelling.

The government has taken a "if it's good for dengue, it's good for Zika" approach to controlling any potential spread.

Pregnant women have been warned not to travel to areas where Zika is prevalent.